Airmen get the chores done

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Instead of sleeping in on Saturday, a group of Tyndall Active Airmen Association members began an early and productive day visiting Bob Hope Village residents to help around the house March 1.

Tyndall servicemembers have a long history of supporting the Air Force Enlisted Village.

"A couple of years ago the first sergeants from Tyndall participated in this trip, but I thought it would be a great way for TAAA to get involved in the community," said Senior Master Sgt. John Trachte, 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant and event organizer. "It builds camaraderie and allows the Airmen to get a great name for themselves."

TAAA is a non-profit, private organization created by Airmen to establish a foundation and open avenues to transform today's Airmen into positive role models for the military and civilian community through self-motivation and professionalism.

"When Airmen volunteer at our villages it means much more than [just] a group coming out for a visit," said James Binnicker, president and CEO of the Air Force Enlisted Village and retired 9th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. "The 'honey do' list is important but the most important benefit is derived by the residents."

The Air Force Enlisted Village, located in Shalimar, Fla., was founded in 1967 to provide a safe, secure and dignified place for indigent surviving spouses of retired Air Force personnel. The village's primary goal and focus is to provide a home and financial assistance to these men and women.

Low pay and frequent military moves leave some spouses without careers, home equities, retirement plans or any significant assets. Surviving spouses requiring financial assistance live here among peers, sharing memories of Air Force life without the stigma normally associated with subsidized housing facilities.

The Airmen learned the history of the village and accomplished many chores: landscaping, general yard work, moving furniture, assembling furniture, building a garden fence, and general clean up.

"Nearly 30 Airmen came out to volunteer with simple chores around the home," said Airman 1st Class Brandy Hamm, 325th Medical Group logistics and TAAA president. "It's just another way that the military takes care of its own people."

Airmen got more out of the visit than just an enlisted performance report bullet.

"Going to the enlisted home was a great experience. The women who live there love it there and enjoy the company of the Airmen who come to help. It is a great feeling knowing you helped them do something that they needed to have done but are unable to do for themselves," said Airman 1st Class Michael Morehouse, 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons loader. "Hearing the stories of years and years of military experience helped the tedious jobs fly by. It is something I have and will recommend to anyone."

Likewise, the residents also received more than just help with their chores around the house.

"The residents had the opportunity to interact with active-duty Airmen, reminding them of their time on active duty with their spouses. The memories come rushing back," said Mr. Binnicker. "It's something we can't put a price tag on or quantify, but it makes this old chief very proud of our Airmen."